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Skilled Worker with Academic Degree (Fachkraft mit akademischer Ausbildung)
VisasGermanySkilled Worker with Academic Degree (Fachkraft mit akademischer Ausbildung)
GermanyGermany•Europe
Open

Skilled Worker with Academic Degree (Fachkraft mit akademischer Ausbildung)

Skilled Migration Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1-3 months

Application Fee

75 EUR

Stay Duration

Up to 4 years

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

No

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information
Germany flag

Living in Germany

Cost of Living
Same as United States
Avg Salary€39,600
Quality of Life
196/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

The §18b visa lets non-EU professionals with a recognised university degree work in Germany on a concrete job offer. The role need not match the field of study unless the profession is regulated. A minimum gross salary of €45,630 applies; workers aged over 45 must earn €55,770 or prove adequate pension provision.

Issued for up to 4 years (or contract length plus 3 months if shorter), the permit is renewable. Settlement permit eligibility arrives after 3 years of skilled employment, or 2 years for those who graduated in Germany. Spouses may join on a family reunification visa and work without restriction.

This visa is ideal for university-educated non-EU professionals who have a German job offer and want a renewable work permit with a clear path to permanent residency.

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

EU Long-Term Residence Permit
Germany flagGermany

EU Long-Term Residence Permit

Validity5 years
Processing28-84 days
View Visa Details
Settlement Permit (Permanent Residency) / Niederlassungserlaubnis
Germany flagGermany

Settlement Permit (Permanent Residency) / Niederlassungserlaubnis

ValidityIndefinite
Processing2-6 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Recognized German or equivalent foreign university degree

Concrete job offer for a qualified position in Germany (does not have to be related to your qualification, unless it is a regulated profession)

Minimum gross annual salary of €45,630 (€55,770 for applicants aged 45+ unless adequate pension provision is demonstrated)

Approval from the Federal Employment Agency if required

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

Education

bachelor or higher

Min. Income

45,630 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Biometric photos

Signed employment contract

Declaration of employment (Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis) signed by the employer

Degree certificates

Proof of degree recognition (Anabin printout or ZAB Statement of Comparability)

CV

Proof of adequate retirement provision (if aged 45+ and salary is below the threshold)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Path to permanent residency
  • Family reunification allowed
  • Fast-track procedure available

Worth Knowing

  • Requires recognized degree
  • Tied to specific employer

Application Process

1

Secure job offer

2

Apply for visa at German mission

3

Enter Germany

4

Register residence

5

Apply for residence permit at local Ausländerbehörde

Verified Claims (23)

Last verified May 31, 2026
Application StepsSecure job offer; Apply for visa at German mission; Enter Germany; Register residence; Apply for res…make-it-in-germany.com
Dependent VisaFamily reunification is generally permittedmake-it-in-germany.com
Fee BreakdownNational Visa Fee: 75 EURmake-it-in-germany.com
FeesEUR 75make-it-in-germany.com
Forms—make-it-in-germany.com
Included Nationalities—make-it-in-germany.com
Job Offer Requiredtruemake-it-in-germany.com
Application Portalhttps://digital.diplo.de/digital.diplo.de

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